ALTHOUGH Coonawarra’s cellar doors are closed for business, residents and visitors can still support the region’s wineries by shopping local for their favourite wine online.
Wineries have encouraged customers to continue to purchase wines online and support the region’s economy.
The call follows a State Government announcement requiring all cellar doors in South Australia to shut down in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Before the State Government’s mandated closures, a number of Coonawarra cellar doors had already shut and moved a majority of business online.
DiGiorgio Family Wines sales and events manager Katie Lewis said online sales had been established before the pandemic.
“People are able to order online and have it delivered safely and securely to their homes, with the business covering freight costs to try and keep the costs as low as possible,” she said.
“We have sent a few more direct mail outs to customers just to remind them it is a service we offer and we have had a good uptake from our database that we are running.”
Ms Lewis said the COVID-19 restrictions had an impact on the business’ cellar door sales and event income and online sales would be crucial for the duration of the pandemic.
“We are trying to encourage people to continue buying online and everyone understands the predicament we are in,” she said.
“We are all in this together and people are adhering to what all the authorities are telling us and are being very supportive.
“It is important to support local and independent family businesses where we can as they are the ones that will do it tough for quite sometime and look to our local suppliers to try and keep everyone’s spirits uplifted.”
Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Olivia James said wineries had been proactive in adapting business, with The Blok Coonawarra and Raidis Estate hosting a virtual wine tasting session.
“We look forward to seeing more virtual offerings throughout the region,” Ms James said.
“Now really is the time to support your local wineries and it is important to continue to buy your wine directly from them, much like you would when visiting a cellar door.
“With many wineries offering freight free delivery direct to your door, wine can be purchased and received safely to your home, enabling you to stay there.”
